Two Islamic State militants killed in Diyala security operation

Iraqi security forces arrest a suspected fighter with the Islamic State group during a military operation.

Diyala (Iraqinews.com) – Two Islamic State militants were killed during a security operation in a border area between Diyala and Salahuddin provinces, a police command was quoted as saying Tuesday.

“A joint security force from Diyala police and al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) carried out a military operation in Mtaibijh border area between Diyala and Salahuddin, killing two Islamic State militants,” the Diyala Police Command said in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Mawazin News.

“The troops also destroyed four hotbeds that were used by the terrorist Islamic State group for storing foodstuffs,” the statement read.

“In addition, 10 mortar shells were seized and 12 bombs were dismantled during the military operation,” the statement added.

In January 2015, Iraqi forces announced liberation of Diyala province from Islamic State extremist militants who proclaimed an “Islamic Caliphate” in Iraq and Syria in 2014.

The province has seen months of fighting between Iraqi troops and IS militants especially in the Jalawla and Saadiyah areas in the province’s north and areas near the town of Muqdadiyah.

Iraq declared the collapse of Islamic State’s territorial influence in Iraq earlier in November with the recapture of Rawa, a city on Anbar’s western borders with Syria, which was the group’s last bastion in Iraq.

A government campaign, backed by paramilitary troops and a U.S.-led international coalition, was launched in 2016 to retake IS-held regions, managing to retake all havens.

Last month, Abadi announced full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members.